Scaffolding SWMS

This SWMS covers scaffolding work from planning and site preparation through erection, use, inspection, maintenance, dismantling and close-out.

Activities covered include

Plan scaffold work and coordinate site activities
Install ties, access and containment measures
Clear materials and complete site close-out

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Product Overview

This SWMS covers scaffolding work from planning and site preparation through erection, use, inspection, maintenance, dismantling and close-out. It supports planning for falls, falling components, stability, access, loading and site interaction hazards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

Plan scaffold work and coordinate site activities
Establish exclusion zones and control site access
Unload, inspect and handle scaffold components
Prepare foundations, bases and support areas
Erect scaffold lifts, bracing and working platforms
Install ties, access and containment measures
Inspect, tag and hand over the scaffold
Use the scaffold and prevent unauthorised alteration
Manage bird nests and droppings where encountered
Monitor, maintain and progressively dismantle the scaffold
Clear materials and complete site close-out

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out scaffolding work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Job Step / Activity	Potential Hazards
Plan work and consult	Incorrect scaffold design Unplanned high-risk work Incompatible trades Worker misunderstanding Overhead powerlines Underground voids or services Weather exposure Unauthorised changes
Establish site exclusion zones	Unauthorised entry Falling components Vehicle strike Pedestrian impact Public access Trip hazards Emergency access obstruction Poor visibility Plant interaction Dust exposure
Unload and inspect components	Crush from suspended load Forklift collision Manual handling strain Falling scaffold components Damaged components Pinch points Uneven load placement Vehicle movement Sharp edges Noise
Prepare foundations and base	Scaffold settlement Scaffold collapse Underground void Slip on uneven ground Baseplate movement Excavation edge collapse Water inundation Manual handling strain Overhead obstruction Unauthorised foundation changes
Erect initial scaffold lifts	Fall from incomplete scaffold Scaffold instability Falling components Crush injuries Incorrect bracing Incomplete edge protection Manual handling strain Tool drop Unauthorised access Adverse weather Electrical contact Collapse during erection
Install ties and working platforms	Scaffold collapse Fall from edge Platform failure Overloading Falling objects Tie failure Gap between scaffold and structure Incorrect plank installation Access opening fall Contact with structure
Install access and containment	Fall during access Falling tools and debris Containment screen failure Ladder slip Unsafe climbing Dropped materials Restricted emergency exit Wind loading Electrical lead damage Public injury
Inspect, tag and hand over	Use of incomplete scaffold Hidden structural defect Unauthorised access Incorrect duty use Fall from defective platform Scaffold collapse Missing edge protection Poor communication
Use scaffold for work	Fall from platform Falling objects Platform overload Slips and trips Unauthorised alteration Electrical shock Manual handling strain Contact with mobile plant Adverse weather Tool injury
Manage bird nests and droppings	Bird attack Disease from dried droppings Dust inhalation Nest disturbance Fall due to distraction Contaminated surfaces Aggressive wildlife Environmental breach Falling nest material Chemical exposure
Monitor and maintain scaffold	Progressive scaffold deterioration Unauthorised alteration Weather damage Corrosion Loose fittings Scaffold movement Platform contamination Defective access Screen damage Collapse
Dismantle scaffold progressively	Fall from height Falling components Scaffold collapse Crush from lowering loads Loss of edge protection Manual handling strain Unauthorised entry Electrical contact Adverse weather Unstable remaining scaffold Tool drop Vehicle interaction
Clear site and close out	Residual trip hazards Vehicle collision Manual handling strain Unsecured materials Environmental contamination Public access Missed defects Incomplete records

Need to add specific site requirements?

Use the BlueSafe Portal to tailor this SWMS with site-specific details, job steps, hazards, controls and responsibilities before work starts.

Acceptance Guaranteed: If your client or principal requests changes during document review, BlueSafe will help revise the document at no extra cost and support resubmission until it is accepted.

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to manage risks, provide safe plant and workplace, consult workers, manage falls, falling objects, construction work, high risk construction work, plant and scaffolding.
Model Code of Practice: Scaffolding (2021) — use as guidance where adopted or otherwise relevant; scaffold plans, licensing, inspection, handover, falling-object and alteration controls.
Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces — use as guidance where adopted or otherwise relevant; scaffold conformity, edge protection, safe access, load limits and prevention of unauthorised alteration.
Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks — use as guidance where adopted or otherwise relevant.
Model Code of Practice: Construction Work — use as guidance where adopted or otherwise relevant for SWMS, consultation and site controls.
AS/NZS 1576 series Scaffolding; AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding; AS 1577 Scaffold planks; AS/NZS 1891 series Industrial fall-arrest systems; AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations—construction and demolition sites; AS 1319 Safety signs for the occupational environment.
Confirm the legislation, approved codes, electrical approach distances, environmental and wildlife-protection requirements applying in the state or territory before work starts; model laws and model Codes do not automatically have legal effect in every jurisdiction.

Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
Initial and residual risk ratings
Assigned responsible persons for each job step
Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections

Suitable for Industries

Building and ConstructionDemolitionRoofing Contractors

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